C
hesapeake City Council is poised to consider a real estate tax hike as part of the proposed 2026 fiscal budget, aimed at addressing critical staffing and equipment needs in the fire and police departments. Fire Chief Simone "Sam" Gulisano and Police Chief Mark Solesky briefed council members on the pressing requirements, including additional personnel, gear, and technology to enhance public safety.

    The city's real estate tax rate of $1.01 per $100 of assessed value is among the lowest in the region, but council members are weighing a potential increase to $1.03 to fund the "enhanced public safety plan option." This would generate an additional $7.5 million in revenue, which City Manager Chris Price has pledged to protect through a "lockbox" for specific public safety needs.

    The median home value in Chesapeake is $356,300, resulting in a tax bill of $3,599 at the current rate. A $1.03 rate would increase this to approximately $3,670. While some council members, like Amanda Newins, caution against raising taxes, Price suggests using surplus funds or pausing capital projects to address public safety needs.

    The proposed budget includes funding for 12 new firefighter positions and additional equipment at the current tax rate of $1.01. However, at $1.03, the city could fund 15 new firefighters, a fire data analyst, a rural water tanker, and other critical needs. Even with the increased tax rate, Price notes that future years will require further consideration of public safety needs.

    Council members have asked both chiefs to prioritize their requests, with Vice Mayor John de Triquet suggesting they return with two urgent priorities and two desirable or necessary ones. The council has also requested cost estimates for all the requests.

    The fire department's current budget would continue the ongoing public safety pay plan, cover advanced health screenings, and address minimum staffing levels at the $1.01 tax rate. However, Gulisano emphasizes that increased calls for service have strained the department, with each shift starting 23 positions short. The department has received a SAFER grant to cover the pay and benefits of 18 firefighters for three fiscal years but requests consideration for phasing in an additional 36 positions.

    Solesky highlights the police department's need for 37 additional officer positions to address increased overtime, traffic enforcement, and mental health-related calls. He also requests hardware and software upgrades for drones and technology for safer communication with suspects during high-risk calls. The proposed budget includes funding for three additional staff members and two customer service clerks for Animal Services.

    The city's assessor notes that overall assessments have increased 3.12% in 2024, which could impact the budget. Next week's budget presentation will include information on trade-offs related to lowering personal property taxes levied on automobiles.